Rewind: Louisiana at Georgia – From the Bird’s Nest

The second trip to Sanford Stadium in Athens, GA on Saturday had the same result as the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns first trip back in 2010 - a loss.

But other than the result, it was a much different football game.

Unlike the 55-7 whitewashing the Cajuns suffered in Rickey Bustle's last season, the Cajuns were competitive in this game, to the point many left wondering what might have been had the Cajuns not failed in a couple of key areas.

Here is a look back at the good and bad from Saturday

THE GOOD

MR. 4,000 - Elijah McGuire had a solid day against the Georgia defense, rushing for 124 yards on 19 carries.  Eli found the going rough between the tackles, but offensive coordinator Jorge Munoz adjusted, sending McGuire on sweeps and the senior from Houma made some things happen.  In the process, he became only the second Cajun amass 4,000 yards rushing in a career.  A 25 yard run was the highlight.

ANTHONY JENNINGS' LEGS--For the second straight contest, the graduate student transfer fell just shy of the 100 yard rushing mark, netting 98 yards after a pair of sacks.  It's obvious Jennings is healthy now, and he's adding the dimension the Cajuns were hoping for before the injury.  He averaged 6.1 yards, even with the sacks figured in, scored three times and had a 29 yard run.

THE O-LINE--Again, that's two weeks in a row they do a good job protecting the quarterback.  They gave up just two sacks for -7 yards. As noted above, things were tough between the tackles, but the guys up front did a good job when the Cajuns went wide.  Overall, a solid performance against a tough defensive front.

AL RILES--A big day from the Cajuns' slot receiver as Riles had 134 yards combined rushing and receiving.  He had a 29 yard run and caught seven balls for 105 yards on the afternoon.  And,, it did it on nine touches.  Included was a 64 yard reception.

7-13--The Cajuns were over 50% on third down.

NOT MUCH SUSTAINED--In 12 possessions, Georgia ran four plays or less eight times  Six of those eight resulted in a punt or a turnover.

THE BAD

THE TURNOVER BUG BITES --The Cajuns had seven possessions in the first half and four of them ended in turnovers, including three of the first five.

AGAIN, NOTHING SPECIAL--For the second straight week, the Cajuns lost the kicking game.  They allowed an 82 yard punt return for a score, their only punt return went for -3 yards, had only one punt inside the 20 and, thanks to the return, netted just five yards per punt on the day.  In addition, the Cajuns netted just 30 yards per kickoff.

FOURTH DOWN--It's been a problem for the Cajuns all season.  And the Cajuns again failed to convert fourth down and short...three times.

7-13--It's good if you're on offense.  Not so good on defense.  The Cajuns allowed over 50% on third down conversions.

THE 20-10 GAME:  Georgia's offense had ten plays that went for ten yards or more.  Five of them went for at least 20.  That does not include the punt return.

BAD BAD START--The best way to fall short when you play a Power Five opponent is getting off to a bad start.  Georgia scored on a 55 yard run on the game's first play.  Anthony Jennings was intercepted on the Cajuns' first offensive play.  And, the punt returned happened the next time the Cajuns' had the football.  If not for a good defensive stand, it would have been 21-0 before all the fans were in their seats.

THERE GOES THE DEPTH--The Cajuns had some solid depth at wide receiver when training camp began.  But they lost two before the season even started, JaMarcus Bradley has been out for three games and Michael Jacquet went down on Saturday.  Add Gary Haynes to the list as well after asking for his release following the game.  Pretty thin out there.

DION RAY--Like Jordan Davis the week before, the Cajuns' redshirt freshman quarterback, who added another dimension with his legs in the game against Georgia Southern, lost a fumble and did not return to the game.  Davis did not play.

The task at hand for the Cajuns is simple now.  They must win the last two.  And, the first is against an old rival that happens to be unbeaten (again) in conference play.  Does Louisiana have enough left to get it done?  See you Saturday.